A voice for Australia and New Zealand at IPSF 2025

In August 2025, I had the privilege of attending the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) World Congress in Nairobi, Kenya. 

The theme of this year’s congress, Advancing Pharmacy Education and Practice for Global Health Impact, was reflected throughout the week in discussions, panels and workshops.

Thanks to the generous support of PSA and the National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA), I was able to represent both Australia and New Zealand as the sole Official Delegate at the General Assembly. Without their support, our countries would not have had a voice.

Leaders in training

Before the official start of World Congress, I participated in the Leaders in Training (LiT) program, where I became an Alpha Trainer after reaching the required hours. I ran workshops focused on developing soft skills for future leaders, guiding students through sessions on motivation, feedback and evaluation. 

This was a rewarding opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen my own skills, and witness the energy and passion of upcoming leaders. 

Once the Congress began, much of my time was spent in the General Assembly, carrying the responsibility of casting votes and ensuring the perspectives of

students from both Australia and New Zealand were heard. Being the only delegate from our area made me realise just how vital the support of PSA and NAPSA was. 

Technology and access

Among the many events I attended, one highlight was a panel discussion on the use of AI in healthcare. This session offered a fascinating look at both the opportunities and the challenges of integrating AI into healthcare delivery. 

I also gained insight into the industrial pharmacy sector in Kenya, as well as the broader challenges faced by healthcare in Nairobi. These experiences expanded my understanding of the global landscape of pharmacy and reminded me of the inequities that continue to exist in access to medicines and resources.

The Congress also gave me the chance to reconnect with peers from around the world, including those I had previously worked with as NAPSA’s Contact Person. It was valuable to strengthen existing connections and build friendships with students who share the same interest in pharmacy.World Congress was a once-in-a-lifetime experience; one I hope more Australian pharmacy students will pursue in the future.

Start local, go global

IPSF represents over 500,000 pharmacy students worldwide, yet Australia’s presence remains small. I want to change that by encouraging more students to get involved and take advantage of the opportunities IPSF offers. 

The first step is to become involved in your local student branch, which can then open doors to national opportunities through NAPSA and, eventually, to international representation. 

I still remember attending my first IPSF conference alone and feeling nervous, only to be welcomed immediately by the IPSF Asia Pacific Regional Office (APRO), who embraced me as part of their community. The warmth and inclusivity I experienced then continues to inspire me, and I encourage others to take the same leap. 

People want to connect with you, and IPSF provides a space where friendships, networks, and professional growth come naturally.

Looking ahead, the next IPSF events will be the Asia Pacific Pharmaceutical Symposium (APPS) in Indonesia and the World Congress in Thailand. I would strongly encourage pharmacy students to consider attending these future events, as they are transformative experiences that broaden horizons, deepen understanding and build lifelong networks.

Pathways Ahead

I am deeply grateful to PSA for their monumental support in making my attendance possible. With travel costs being high, it would have been impossible for me to attend without their sponsorship. 

Because of their generosity, Australia and New Zealand were represented at the General Assembly, and our perspectives contributed to global discussions. 

I also want to thank NAPSA for their support, which made it more feasible for me to attend in my role as Official Delegate. Their backing ensured that I was able to fulfil my duties and give our members a voice on the international stage.

Attending World Congress 2025 in Nairobi was an unforgettable experience that strengthened my leadership skills, broadened my understanding of global healthcare, and connected me with pharmacy students from across the world. 

Most importantly, it reminded me of the importance of ensuring Australia and New Zealand are active participants in shaping the future of our profession. 

To PSA and NAPSA, thank you once again for making this possible. To my fellow pharmacy students, I encourage you to take that first step, get involved, and see where it leads. You might just find yourself representing our country on the world stage one day.